Many exciting moments in sports happened throughout 2018 as local athletes in Coahoma County achieved at all different levels.
We at the Press Register took the time to rate the top five stories that occurred throughout the previous year as a way of looking back on everything.
1. Coahoma County boys win second straight Class 2A state championship
Winning one championship is no easy task, but winning two in a row does not happen very often.
The Red Panthers under the leadership of coach Derrick Moore have won two straight titles. Freshman center Jai’Sheldon Yates was the MVP of the championship game, while junior guard Markevius Phillips was the top player and is now back as a senior.
2. Gray signs with Saints
Clarksdale High School graduate Juantavius “J.T.” Gray signed with the New Orleans Saints following the NFL Draft.
Gray spent his first three seasons at Mississippi State as a linebacker before moving to the secondary. He also plays special teams.
3. Jenkins wins Entergy/Kent Hull Trophy
Mississippi senior center Elgton Jenkins, a Clarksdale High School graduate, won the 2018 Entergy/Kent Hull Trophy for being the top lineman in Mississippi.
4. Tragedy strikes during football game
When Byhalia came to Coahoma County High School, 16-year-old Dennis Mitchell of Byhalia collapsed and died during the game. Many mourned his passing throughout the state.
5. Clarksdale football teams all improve
Clarksdale, Coahoma County and Lee Academy all made their high school football playoffs, while Coahoma Early College High School had four wins after one victory in the previous two combined seasons.
The Wildcats advanced to the second round while coach Henry Johnson was his state’s head coach in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game. Senior linebacker Kevin Smith also played in the game.
National Signing Day for high school football seniors is scheduled for Feb. 6 — a little more than one month away.
